MALKY ON TEST, BRAYS ON DEBUT

Malky Mackay and John Brayford spoke to press following City's pre-season fixture at Cheltenham Town on Saturday afternoon.

Kim Bo-Kyung's first-half equaliser made for a 1-1 draw at the Abbey Business Stadium, the South Korean finishing low into the bottom corner of the goal after some neat build-up play down the Cardiff right.

It was a game that the Bluebirds dominated, and one that served as an excellent pre-season run-out with the full squad utilised for the second time this week.

"We gave some of the guys a bit longer in terms of match minutes and we’ll step it up again at Brentford on Tuesday,” said Malky.

“People are starting to gel and get used to each other and I was pleased to give John Brayford some minutes.

“He’s a very attack-minded full-back – the best right-back in the Championship last season, consistently in the divisional team of the season – and I think he can kick on with us at Cardiff City.

“He can take the step into the Premier League and stay there for a number of years.”

Concern arose towards the end of the first half following a bad tackle on goal-scorer Kim, but the Gaffer was quick to dismiss any fears with relation to his midfield play-maker, albeit noting his displeasure at the rashness of the challenge.

"I thought it was a terrible tackle," Malky commented. "It was a clean-spirited game apart from one second when someone saw red.

"Kim is OK but I would have thought that would have been a red card if it wasn’t a pre-season game."

Debutant John Brayford meanwhile reflected on a new chapter in his career following the final whistle at Whaddon Road.

Brayford made his Cardiff City debut early in the second half, replacing first-half incumbent Matt Connolly in the right-back berth.

"It’s nice to get started and to have met the lads today," said John. "It was good to see how we play and of course to make my debut.

"We will see where the league takes us and we will take it game by game. It is a big step up from the Championship to the Premier League but we will be relishing the challenge.

"Every player dreams of playing in the Premier League and making the step up. It is a nice feeling now that it has happened. I now need to prove myself to the team and the Manager and knuckle down and work hard.

"I’ve had to try and adapt to each different league and this is a new challenge again. I’ll try and take it in my stride. I know it will be a tough challenge but hopefully one that I can rise to.

"When you start off in the conference as I did with Burton, you always think' how far can you go'? It's been a nice journey."

Watch both interviews on Cardiff City Player. For Malky's reaction see below.